One day before the crucial meeting of the EU’s energy ministers, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen insists on the plan for mandatory energy savings in all member states.
Speaking to the German News Agency (dpa), Ursula von der Leyen warns that Europe “should be prepared for the worst possible case, i.e. the complete interruption of natural gas flows”, as “it is clear that the Kremlin is not a reliable partner to ensure the energy supply”. For this reason, he points out that “by March of next year we will have to save 15% of today’s natural gas consumption, that is 45 billion cubic meters. And we want to start immediately, because the faster we act, the more savings we will make” .
The head of the European Commission recalled the goal of complete independence from Russian natural gas by 2027. “With the help of REPowerEU we want to invest 300 billion euros to save natural gas and switch to renewable energy sources,” she said. “At the same time, we are moving forward with new agreements with more reliable partners, such as the US and Norway.” Regarding the proposal of several European governments to put a ceiling on the price of imported natural gas, Ursula von der Leyen said that it is being “examined” by the Commission.
“Why should the Spanish save on natural gas?”
However, the dpa journalist points out the objections that many member states have expressed to the Commission’s energy plan: “Hungary has already banned natural gas exports, making it clear that in the event of a crisis it will not participate in a European solidarity mechanism. It may force Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to do the opposite? And how do you explain to the Spanish, for example, that they need to save on natural gas, when Germany, despite past warnings, has become dependent on Russia for energy?”
Ursula von der Leyen’s answer: “It is true that some member states are more and others less affected by the interruption of Russian gas supplies. However, in a single European market, even member states that do not import Russian gas , they cannot ignore the consequences of a possible interruption in the energy supply. (…) Our economies are closely interconnected. In one way or another, a natural gas crisis would affect every Member State. That is why it is important that all States- members to curb demand, store (gas) and share it with those most affected.”
Germany seems to support the Commission’s energy plan. Professional associations such as the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Association of German Mechanical Equipment Manufacturers (VDMA) express their support. However, many member states, including France, express serious reservations. On Monday afternoon, information from the Reuters agency from Brussels spoke of imminent changes to the Commission’s initial proposal, with the aim of maintaining the 15% saving target, but at the same time foreseeing exceptions.
Yannis Papadimitriou (DW, dpa, Reuters)
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
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